Assessment of the level of adherence to treatment among type 2 diabetic patients in Matlala District Hospital

Abstract

The number of diabetic patients will continue to rise even in rural settings and the burden of this disease will continue to take its effect on the limited resources of these communities. The effect of such burden will be more pronounced if we are to add the various complications associated with substandard management of diabetes mellitus. The first step in assessing the level of care we give to this category of patients is to measure their level of adherence, in an effort to expose the pitfalls on both the side of the patients and on the side of the health care provider. The aim of the study is to assess the level of adherence to treatment among type2 diabetic patients in Matlala district hospital; Limpopo Province. This cross-sectional study used the convenience method of sampling with the aid of a tested, structured questionnaire, to obtain data from respondents between December 2009 and March 2010, a period of 4 months. The excel computer program was used for data capturing. Percentages and numbers were used for interpretation and cross tabulation was used to determine association. The result of the study indicated that 137 {70%} of the respondents adhere to diabetes treatment. There were two demographical characteristics that are significantly associated with non adherence: age {p=0.028} and employment status {p=0.018}. Of those respondents that keep their appointments, 98% are adherent to treatment. When considering reasons for poor adherence; 29% of respondents stated that the clinic did not have their pills, 16% stated that they forgot to take their medication and 14% stated that they travelled to visit ix and did not take enough pills with them. On the reasons for poor adherence to lifestyle: 29% of the respondents said that they were too old, 22% stated no specific reason, 13% struggled to motivate themselves and 10% simply forgot what to do. Most, 68%, of the respondents that adhere to the recommended use of medication agreed that they take it at meal time, 14% set a reminder, 8% employed the assistance of a treatment supporter and other respondents used other means to remember. The study revealed an above average level of adherence in my setting and it will be logical to assess whether this corresponds to the metabolic control expected of good adherence. More is needed to be done on the reasons why our patients do not adhere to both medication and lifestyle changes and each stake holder needs to address their short comings.